Global Scans · France · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Discontent with political elites and country performance is driving the discourse and demand for action from the French public. With Presidential elections due in May 2017 it remains to be seen whether another political earthquake may happen in one of the EU's founding countries.

• [New] The selected projects are expected to unlock $1.5 billion (€1 billion) of total port infrastructure investment, supporting the large-scale deployment of floating offshore wind in France. MarineLink
• [New] Among major economies, Germany, France, and Italy are projected to grow by just 0.6% in 2026. Natixis - Natixis CIB
• [New] Beginning in 2027, France's national cybersecurity agency will no longer certify security products that lack quantum-resistant encryption. QED-C
• [New] By mid-month, France could again become the epicenter of extreme heat as high pressure, unusually warm seas and soils dried out by previous heat waves reinforce one another. vancouversun
• [New] A new cooking method could make French fries crispier in less time while significantly limiting how much oil they absorb. ScienceDaily
• [New] Wildfires sweeping southern Europe forced thousands from their homes, with the most acute threat in southwest France where a blaze in the Pyrenees scorched more than 11,000 acres and evacuated more than 10,000 people from nearly 30 villages and towns. 10 Things Global News
• [New] Forecasted data shows an increase from 9.5548 million in 2024 to 10.386 million in 2028. / France Reportlinker
• [New] France will deliver air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, including laser-guided anti-drone missiles, Missile d'Interception de Combat et d'Auto-defense missiles, and beyond-visual-range air-to-air METEOR missiles. Critical Threats
• [New] France will transfer the first four Rafale fighter jets after Ukrainian personnel complete training for pilots and mechanics, which could begin in France in 2026. Critical Threats
• [New] Ukraine will be the first to receive the new French-Italian Sol-Air Moyenne-Portee / Terrestre New Generation (SAMP/T NG) air defence systems and that France will provide Ukraine with two SAMP/T systems in 2026. Critical Threats
• [New] Microsoft will invest billions of dollars in infrastructure supporting Mistral's AI expansion across Europe while broadening distribution of the French company's models through Azure, Foundry, Copilot Studio, and Azure Local. MarketingProfs
• [New] Growing focus on feed self-sufficiency, sustainable sourcing practices, and reduced dependence on imported soybean meal is expected to create additional opportunities for French oilmeal producers over the forecast period. Persistence Market Research
• [New] France's 2030 Industrial Strategy, which targets digital sovereignty across strategic industries, is accelerating domestic PKI infrastructure investment as an explicit policy objective. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Frontier AI developers like Mistral in France and DeepSeek in China are among a growing number of firms advancing technology and threatening the dominance of U.S. companies. investing.com
• [New] France's National Hydrogen Strategy has committed €7.2 billion through 2030, with a particular focus on electrolyzer manufacturing and green hydrogen integration into mobility and industrial applications. Persistence Market Research
• [New] France's Loi de Programmation Militaire 2024-2030 allocates €413 billion to defence investment over seven years, including sustained ground forces modernization funding that ensures continued soldier system procurement and technology development investment through the forecast period. Persistence Market Research
• [New] France will send 16 Rafale aircraft to Ukraine in 2028-2029, and allow Ukraine to build the Aster-30 missiles for SAMP/T air defence systems, AASM Hammer guided bombs and SCALP cruise missiles. Sarcastosaurus
• [New] Microsoft stated it believes cryptographically relevant quantum computers could arrive sooner than previously expected and cited recent US and French government guidance to adopt quantum-safe cryptography as early as 2030 in certain high-risk systems. SITG-Consulting
• [New] Over 800000 residential units received smart home kits under the MaPrimeRenov scheme between 2021 and 2023 while the Tertiary Decree mandates 60% energy reduction for large commercial buildings by 2030 that enforced through continuous digital monitoring. / France Market Data Forecast

Last updated: 05 August 2026